By Effiong Nyong
The 29th of May marks two years of the current administration in Nigeria. It also marks a decade of the All Progressives Congress (APC) piloting the affairs of the nation. On this same day two years ago, came the infamous gaffe-turned-policy the abrupt announcement of the removal of petroleum subsidy. While some hailed it as a bold move showing the president’s readiness to “take the bull by the horns,” others saw it as unplanned and reckless. Regardless of what any government apologist might say, that singular action heralded a new era of hardship for the Nigerian people a second wave of slavery, poverty weaponized.
As if to complement the hardship, the government has consistently increased tariffs across virtually every sector of life electricity, transport, communication, healthcare, and education. Multiple taxation of unimaginable proportions has become the norm. In what appears to be a targeted attack on Nigeria’s youth, the skyrocketing cost of data has driven many offline. It’s almost as if the government is saying: “Let us see how they will coordinate another protest without internet access.”
Despite all the tariff increases, with the government raking in billions, there is absolutely nothing on ground to show for it no visible development, only widespread suffering, state-sponsored intimidation, recklessness, harassment, sex scandals, judicial summersaults, and legislative compromises akin to George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Yet, the leadership acts like all is well. We watch as defections from one party to another are celebrated with dance, music, and comedy, trivializing the serious state of the nation. One would expect a government at the two-year mark to be reviewing its scorecard of achievements. Instead, it seeks affirmation through sycophantic voice votes from a poverty-stricken populace and a compromised elite all of whom are running on a mandate never truly given. In 2014, the slogan was “Change.” That has since silently mutated into “JOIN.” Today, to dine at the table of power, all you need do is join. Your sins will be forgiven, and you’ll be rewarded. This party, despite its array of religious-titled members, now parades what seems like the “mark of the beast” 666. Join, so you can buy and sell. If you don’t like it, go to court.
What happened to the much-touted expertise that was meant to replicate the “Lagos model” across the country? What happened to the promises of good governance, economic growth, and national unity? Two years into the reign of the “messiah,” our economy lies in shambles, the family unit is disintegrating, ritual killings are on the rise, and repentant terrorists now help massacre our sons and daughters both on the battlefield and at home. One thing, however, the government does consistently: it lies. Propaganda, wrapped in boldness.
Recently, the Senate President, in passing a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and endorsing him as the sole candidate for 2027, declared that no president in Nigeria’s history has performed so well in such a short time. As lawmakers clapped,4 the president laughed, turning our national tragedy into a theater of the absurd.
This administration has achieved feats that defy logic building a coastal road far from the actual coast, listing the renovation of government buildings as infrastructure, organizing prayer assemblies as national thanksgiving, and chartering aircraft for both domestic and international trips even as states proudly declare themselves bankrupt. We now see children of public office holders taking over state functions without any official portfolio — the boldness of it all!
Two years in, what are the real achievements or dividends of democracy? Only those favored by the ruling elite can breathe. Party membership is no guarantee of inclusion. The masses are poor, hungry, and distracted — arguing about how many years the North has ruled, whether a Muslim-Muslim ticket is just, whether illiterates or graduates are better leaders, or the skin tones of our politicians. Meanwhile, impunity thrives. A democratically elected governor is removed and replaced with a retired military officer, and the people cheer.
This narrative must change. A workable, new Nigeria is possible.
Dr. Effiong Nyong, is the (ADC ) national publicity secretary, South. And was the Cross River State ADC Governorship Candidate in the 2023 elections.
